Geographical Indications are intended to highlight special qualities of the products through indication of their origin and to preserve cultural traditions. Granting of this intellectual property protection to ‘Irish Salmon’ would mean that this name could only be used by producers of the product within the specified region.
Commenting on the application Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “This is the first all Ireland application for protected name status for a food product. My Department has worked closely with the Department of Agriculture Food and The Marine (DAFM) to get the application to this stage.
“A product, such as the Irish Salmon, receiving PGI registration would be good news for the agri food sector and would help local suppliers to market the product domestically and further afield, and would also provide protection against imitation.”
In the past 12 months New Season Comber Potatoes, Lough Neagh Eels and Armagh Bramley Apples have all been granted PGI status.
Interested parties in responding to the consultation have a period of 12 weeks ending on Tuesday, 9 of October 2012 to submit their comments in writing. Anyone with a legitimate interest may lodge an objection.
Both specifications and additional information are available on the DARD Website.
Comments are to be submitted in writing to Food Policy Branch, Room 131, Dundonald House, Upper Newtownards Road, Ballymiscaw, Belfast, BT4 3SB, or by Email by 9 October 2012.
